Bill to obtain search warrant via video advances

Friday

Apr 4, 2014 at 9:34 PM

SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Legislation that would allow law enforcement officials to obtain a search warrant through a videoconference is advancing in the Illinois Legislature.

The change to the state’s criminal code is sponsored by state Rep. Mike Zalewski. The Riverside Democrat’s proposal would allow search warrants to be obtained from a judge in terrorism cases during a video conference when the requesting prosecutor can’t be present in a courtroom.

Current law only allows search warrants to be obtained in such cases by oral testimony, which can include requests via telephone or fax.